WASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) is accepting applications to receive a Congressional nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Merchant Marine Academy. 

“Each year, I am impressed by the number of talented young people from my district who apply for this opportunity,” Stupak said.  “I look forward to hearing from northern Michigan candidates seeking to improve themselves and further their education while serving their country.”

To be eligible for a Congressional nomination, the applicant must be a legal resident of Michigan’s 1^st Congressional District; at least 17 years old and not past his or her 23^rd birthday by July 1^st of the year of academic entry; unmarried with no dependents; a United States citizen of high moral character; and able to meet high leadership, academic, physical and medical standards. 

To ensure that nominations to the service academies are based on merit and every applicant has a fair chance to compete for available openings, Stupak uses a Citizens Advisory Committee made up of community representatives throughout the 1^st Congressional District.  The committee reviews candidate application files, interviews the candidates, and recommends selections for nominations.  To be eligible for an interview, all necessary paperwork must be completed by October 31, 2006.  All recommendations are based on a competitive application process.

Application information may be obtained by calling Stupak’s Crystal Falls office at 906-875-3751 or on the web at http://www.house.gov/stupak/academies.shtml.

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